Yes, you can juice celery leaves; they are nutritious and add a flavorful, slightly bitter taste to your juice, enhancing its health benefits.
Celery leaves are often discarded, but they pack a nutritional punch. Many wonder if these flavorful greens can be juiced alongside the stalks. The answer is yes – and they offer unique benefits you won’t want to miss.
Why Juice Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves contain concentrated nutrients compared to the stalks. They’re rich in:
- Vitamin A (5x more than stalks)
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Powerful antioxidants
The darker outer leaves have an intense celery flavor while the inner light green leaves are more delicate. Both work well in juice.
Nutritional Benefits
Research shows celery leaves contain:
| Nutrient | Leaves | Stalks |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 453% DV | 90% DV |
| Vitamin K | 37% DV | 28% DV |
| Calcium | 40mg | 20mg |
How to Juice Celery Leaves
Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Select organic celery with fresh, vibrant leaves
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water
- Chop stalks and leaves into 2-3 inch pieces
- Use a cold press juicer for maximum nutrient retention
- Alternate feeding leaves and stalks to prevent clogging
- Strain if desired for smoother texture
Juicer vs Blender
While both work, juicers extract more nutrients from celery leaves:
- Juicers remove fiber, creating concentrated nutrition
- Blenders retain fiber but may require straining
- For blender method, try our recommended celery juice blender
Celery Leaf Juice Recipes
Basic Celery Leaf Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch celery with leaves
- 1/2 lemon (peeled)
- 1 inch ginger
Juice all ingredients and serve immediately.
Green Detox Juice
Ingredients:
- Celery leaves from 2 bunches
- 1 cucumber
- 1 green apple
- Handful of parsley
Storage and Preservation
Celery leaf juice is best consumed fresh. For storage:
- Refrigerate in airtight glass for up to 24 hours
- Freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies
- Add lemon juice to prevent oxidation
According to FoodPrint, you can also dry leaves for future use in juices.
Potential Concerns
While generally safe, consider:
- Bitter taste from older outer leaves
- Possible pesticide residue (always wash thoroughly)
- Oxalates content for those with kidney issues
As noted by Medical Medium, pure celery juice is most effective when consumed alone on an empty stomach.
Creative Uses for Leftover Pulp
Don’t discard the nutrient-rich pulp:
- Add to soups and stews
- Mix into veggie burgers
- Dehydrate for celery powder
- Compost for garden nutrients
For large quantities, consider a high-capacity juicer to process efficiently.
